The Missing Sponge

A surgeon was very selective with the people he wanted to work with.  It was the first day on the job for a young nurse and the surgeon decided to issue a test.  As the young nurse assisted the surgeon during a procedure, she noticed a problem.

"You've only removed eleven sponges, doctor," she said to the surgeon. "We used twelve."

"I removed them all," the doctor declared. "We'll close the incision now."

"No," the nurse objected. "We used twelve sponges."

"I'll take full responsibility," the surgeon said grimly. 
"Suture!"

"You can't do that!" blazed the nurse. "Think of the patient."

The surgeon smiled, lifted his foot, and showed the nurse the twelfth sponge, and said, "You'll do."

It can be difficult to stand up for what is right, especially when we meet resistance.  For the young nurse, she was willing to risk disapproval and possibly even her job to stand up for what was right.  Thankfully, she was working for a person who also valued integrity.  It takes courage to expose ourselves and come under the heat of the spot light.  In John 12:42-43, we see some people who weren’t willing to stand out, “Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”

Which do we love more, God’s approval or man’s?  It feels really good when people like us, praise us, and agree with us.  Many people are even willing to sacrifice their morals and ethics in order to lay low and run with the crowd.  It can be scary to be disliked, made fun of, and disagreed with.  It can be hard to stand up for honesty and integrity as Christians, especially when those around us do not.

Moses told Joshua before his death, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

People may dislike or disagree with us, but there is only one approval that really matters anyway, God’s.  When we stand with God, God will stand with us.  Therefore, no matter what other people may think, let’s be courageous Christians and pursue God’s approval above all others.

The First Openly Gay NBA Player

It’s official, Jason Collins has announced he is gay.  This makes him the very first active NBA player to do so.   Collins has been in the NBA for many years and is currently playing with the Washington Wizards.  Since his announcement, Collins has received a huge amount of support and praise.  The NBA commissioner said,  “We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”  Michelle Obama exclaimed, “So proud of you, Jason Collins!  This is a huge step forward for our country.  We’ve got your back!”  Collins’ team, the Washington Wizards, stated, “We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly” (Yahoo).  TV analysts, radio anchors, announcers, and many other players have all be singing praises to Jason for his decision and lifestyle.  Many have been labeling his announcement as courageous, bold, and brave.

Is it really appropriate to call Jason Collins’ announcement “courageous”?  In other words, if someone announced to the world they were an alcoholic, a rapist, a drug addict, or a pedophile, would it be right to call that announcement courageous?  While it certainly would be difficult to make such a statement, the word “courageous” applies to something that is heroic, valiant, and admirable.  No sin has the right to claim these wonderful attributes.  And homosexuality is most definitely a sin according to God (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Leviticus 18:22, 29; 20:13; etc).  Jason Collins’ announcement may be many things, but courageous is not one of them.

Now let’s take a look at a statement that is truly courageous.  Chris Broussard is an ESPN analyst and writer.  Here was what he said on live TV about Jason Collins:  “I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle…If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin.  If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality…I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ” (ibid).

First of all, ever since Broussard made this statement, he has been heavily criticized.  Many are trashing Broussard and even calling for him to be fired.  ESPN responded to Chris’ statements by saying, “ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement” (Hollywood Reporter).  Second, and most importantly, what Chris Broussard said about homosexuality is completely accurate with Scripture (Look at the Scripture references above).

There is no telling what the repercussions will be for Chris Broussard.  He may lose his job or just some people’s respect.   No matter what happens, Christians should be applauding and supporting such a bold proclamation of God’s truth.  What Chris Broussard did can truly be labeled as courageous.  Even though so many around him disagree and have attacked him, he stood for what was right.

Let’s also have the courage to stand up and boldly speak the truth about homosexuality (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10).